The Cost

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the profound teachings of our recent sermon series, "The Kingdom." This week, we explore the true cost of embracing God's kingdom here on Earth, as shared by Pastor Kurt Lawson. If you're seeking to understand the depth of commitment required to live out your faith, this summary will guide you through the key points of the sermon, offering insights and challenges for your spiritual journey.

When we talk about the Kingdom of God, we're referring to His reign and His heaven right now. It's a concept mentioned over 80 times in the New Testament, and it signifies the presence of God's rule and reign in our lives today. Jesus instructs us to pray for God's kingdom to come on Earth as it is in heaven, indicating that we can experience a taste of eternal life here and now.

Jesus warns us to count the cost before committing to follow Him. He uses parables to illustrate the importance of understanding what we're signing up for when we invite God's kingdom into our lives. Following Jesus isn't just about enjoying the benefits of His love and grace; it also involves significant sacrifices.

To embrace God's kingdom, we must be willing to repent. This ongoing process involves turning away from our sins and aligning our lives with God's will. It's not a one-time event but a lifestyle of continual growth and transformation.

Praying for God's kingdom to come also means surrendering our will to His. It's about acknowledging that God is the ultimate authority and aligning our desires, decisions, and actions with His perfect plan for our lives.

Jesus calls us to carry our cross, which means dying to ourselves and our personal kingdoms. It's a call to let go of our control and fully submit to God's reign in every aspect of our lives.

The Kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great value. It's worth giving up everything we have because the life that Jesus offers is far more valuable than anything we could gain on our own. When we truly understand the worth of God's kingdom, the sacrifices we make pale in comparison to the eternal joy and fulfillment we receive in return.

As we reflect on the message of the Kingdom, let's challenge ourselves to examine our lives. Are there areas where we have not allowed Jesus to reign as King? It could be in our relationships, finances, career, or personal habits. This week, let's take a step of faith by identifying one area where we can surrender more fully to God's will.

Reflective Questions
1. In what ways have I been trying to maintain control over my life instead of surrendering to God's will?

2. How can I practice repentance as a daily commitment to align with God's kingdom?

3. What specific steps can I take to prioritize God's kingdom over my personal desires and plans?

Embrace the challenge to let God's kingdom come and His will be done in your life, starting today.